McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Bugatti News

Bugatti news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks, covering the Chiron in its many forms, the Mistral roadster and the track-only Bolide. Our reporting also follows the V16 hybrid Tourbillon and the auction results that set values for the earlier cars. Bugatti builds in very small numbers, so a single sale can reset the market for a whole model. That is where our marketplace helps readers most. Bugattis covered here are often listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which puts the reporting and a real asking price side by side. For Bugatti news today, and the hypercar news and exotic car market news around it, start below.

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By Tyler Rampersaud – September 12, 2022

The Final Bugatti Chiron Sport L’Ébe And A Similar Chiron...

Bugatti has its roots in one of the most important values: family. Bugatti has some of the richest roots in the entire automotive industry, as it started as a family business, and not just any family business, but one from the Bugatti family, which even before the success of the incredible automotive brand, was known for being full of artists. Ettore Bugatti was born into that family of artists and decided to venture toward bringing that artistry to cars and creating an entirely new legacy that would endure for generations as it has. To do that, he enlisted the help of his son, and today, Bugatti is one of the most revered names in the entire automotive industry throughout its history. MUST READ: 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport First Drive The final iteration of the Bugatti Chiron, the Chiron Sport L’Ébe, was inspired by Ettore’s oldest daughter, and its gold highlights throughout reference the exquisite beauty of the Art Deco era in which she lived. The customer who took delivery of the third and final Chiron Sport L’Ébe showed a similar passion for family to the one that the Bugatti brand has itself, as his brother was inspired to specify his own Bugatti Chiron Sport with the same gold accents to be paired with a body finished in red and black carbon fiber. Even after over a century, family is still one of Bugatti’s central values and part of what makes the brand as excellent as it is. View All Bugatti Chirons For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by BUGATTI (@bugatti) Source: Instagram/Bugatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 24, 2021

Check Out This New Bugatti Chiron Sport Finished In 'Petr...

This one-of-a-kind Bugatti Chiron Sport is sure to turn heads on the road. The Bugatti Chiron continues to lead the way as one of the most powerful and desirable hypercars on the market, especially with its Sport model boasting 1,577-horsepower. Bugatti is proud to debut a custom specification that was recently created for a lucky new owner. The 2021 Bugatti Chiron Sport is finished in an exclusive Petrol Blue exterior paint to help begin what seems to be a sea of blue theme. Stepping into the cabin of the Chiron Sport, the interior layout designed in Lake Blue flows from the diamond-stitched sport seats to the steering wheel itself. When Bugatti creates a one-of-one example, the brand stops at no effort to incorporate the client’s vision into every aspect of the vehicle. The best example of this method is the finish on the stagger set Petrol Blue wheels, which is contrasted with a set of Maritime Blue brake calipers. This Bugatti Chiron Sport is perfectly designed to complement its final destination of Dubai. View all Bugatti Chiron examples for sale through duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugatti Chiron For Sale Media/Information Source: Bugatti/shahafshai Instagram

By Edward Jones – May 20, 2021

See the Bugatti Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ Race ...

If the Bugatti had wings, it would've taken off. Bugatti recently made the awesome decision to pit their Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ hypercar against the Dassault Rafale Marine fighter jet. Yes, a hypercar racing a fighter jet qualifies for being awesome. The two speed demons met up at a naval base in Landivisiau, north-west France. To put this battle into comparison, the Chiron Sport boasts 1479 horsepower, while the Navy jet is packing 5646 hp. That's quite the difference, but that didn't stop the race from happening. What's more, the race makes sense when you learn that the Bugatti Chiron Sport Edition ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ was made to honor French aviation. Check out the video up above to see the race for yourself and click the button below to see all Bugattis currently for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com. See All Bugattis For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2021

Bugatti Chiron Sport ‘Les Legendes du Ciel’ Arrives in Je...

Andy Wallace showed everyone what it is capable of Situated at the crossroads of East and West, Saudi Arabia has a clientele that can easily afford a new daily driver. That's why brand ambassadors and prospective owners gathered this week at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club. They were treated to automotive overload as Bugatti Chief Test Pilot Andy Wallace took the helm. A closed course was laid out across the open plains, where Mr. Wallace opened the throttles before the VIPs. “At the same time, we were able to give our very select group of customers the unique and exclusive experience of driving the Chiron Pur Sport with our legendary world-record breaker pilot Andy Wallace for the first time on Saudi roads. Our customers loved it and we look forward to offering more opportunities like this again in the future.” This will undoubtedly lead to new customers, as who wouldn't like to have 1,479 horsepower at 261 mph. Click the button to learn more. Shop Bugatti Images (C) Bugatti SAS

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2021

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Test Drives in a French Forest

Two new hypercars take a path less traveled. If a tree falls in the forest onto a junk car, we will smile. If we see a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport test driving through a French forest we will be envious. Driving great cars is what makes life worth living, so one lucky customer chose to take a new Chiron Sport and a Pur Sport into the Rambouillet. About 30 miles west of Paris lies a picturesque hotel that was once an 11th-century Monastery. Monks dedicated to piety and penitence would reconsider their career choices if they heard 1,500 horsepower ripping through the secluded woods. Although they have a similar name, these two cars have very different personalities. We first met the Chiron Sport in 2018. Compared to a normal production Chiron, the car is more visceral thanks to lightweight components and stiffer suspension. A few customers demanded more, so the Pur Sport is almost a completely different car underneath. It is tuned for maximum grip on the track and ultimate acceleration. They also endowed it with aggressive gear ratios and the most downforce of any Bugatti to date. Chiron Sport does not have a production cap whereas only 60 examples of the Pur Sport will be offered. Choosing between top speed and top grip is a tough decision, so tell us which Chiron belongs in your garage in the comments below. Browse Bugatti Chiron For Sale Images (C) Bugatti

By Andrew Nabors – February 26, 2021

Where Would You Drive Your Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport?

Anywhere is an acceptable answer, because we want to know where you would drive your Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport. The Hajar Mountains of Oman sit at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Chief Test Driver and LeMans Champion Andy Wallace is able to push any car to its limits, so we're glad he was able to share his vacation with us. Engineers raised the redline to 6,900 rpm and fitted new turbos. Losing the hydraulics from the spoiler and 3D-printing the exhaust shaved 110 lbs, and the gear ratios are 15% closer. Sure it traded a few mph in top speed for the ability to dominate every corner, so tell us where you would stretch its legs! Browse Bugatti For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 12, 2021

Husband Orders the Bugatti Chiron Sport 'Alice' for Wife ...

Getting a gift for your significant other can be quite the project. What do you get them? Where do you get said item from? How much should I spend? Will they like the gift? For one husband, his gift idea was to get his wife a one-of-a-kind hypercar. Yes, this legend of a husband ordered a custom Bugatti Chiron Sport that has been named 'Alice'. The exterior is graced by a Silk Rosé color with Matt Blanc, giving this rose of a hypercar a truly unique appearance. Inside is a combination of leather and Alcantara in Gris Rafale while "Alice" can be found stitched into the headrests of the Comfort-spec seats. The custom 'Alice' logo is also found on the door sills. This creation is a perfect example of how Bugatti can tailor their creations to the client's wants and needs. It just so happened to be that this client wanted a perfect gift for his wife, and Bugatti delivered. Experience Bugatti

By Andrew Nabors – January 19, 2021

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Takes On The Hajar Mountains

Tight corners and steep grades make for great motoring, and that's why the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport took on the Hajar Mountains. This stunning landscape outside Dubai marks the border between the Emirates and Oman. " width="680"> After the festivities of unveiling the car in the stunning metropolis, Andy Wallace decided to stretch its legs to unlock 1,500 horsepower. The shorter transmission gearing can be heard in the exhaust of four turbos. Nothing else compares to this unchained Chiron, so click the button to experience it for yourself. Browse Bugatti For Sale Images (C) Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

By Andrew Nabors – January 18, 2021

2021 Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Deliveries Begin

Greenwich, Connecticut is an ideal location to offer the world's most exclusive cars. That's why the first 2021 Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport deliveries have begun. Like every other new Bugatti for sale, the Chiron Pur Sport is built to express every aspect of the owner's personality. First Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Delivered by Miller Motorcars As such, this stunning supercar is finished in Quartz White and Gray Carbon. Accents in Gunpowder give it a menacing demeanor, and the optional Sky View (moonroof) brightens the interior. While the Divo is aimed at all-out track performance, the new Bugatti Chiron for sale is the purest amalgam of 1,500 horsepower and impeccable luxury. 2021 Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Customer Test Drives By sacrificing a few mph on the top end, shorter transmission gearing, and a redline of almost 7,000 rpm translates into unparalleled acceleration. Click the button below to begin your adventure. Browse New Bugatti For Sale Image (C) Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

By Andrew Nabors – December 21, 2020

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Test Drives In Dubai

As one of their most significant markets, the masters in Molsheim took a trip to the Emirates. A series of Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Test Drives in Dubai introduced prospective buyers to the latest Chiron for sale. 2018 Bugatti Chiron Price, Specs, Photos & Review Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti was recently given command of Lamborghini, a position he held as a younger man. Now with more resources at his disposal, he said: “The most agile member of the Chiron family demands more than just a theoretical explanation via video stream or digital video conference. Customers must drive the Chiron Pur Sport and experience the incredible power and lateral dynamics for themselves.” The Chiron Pur Sport will serve as a benchmark for all to follow, and our dealers stand ready to build one for you. Click the button below and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Browse Bugatti For Sale Images (C) Bugatti S.A.S

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